William Ota The Simi Valley Elks Lodge No. 2492 sponsored a Court of Honor for Eagle Scout William Makoto Ota and his parents Julianne and Dale Ota on May 23.

The Court of Honor master of ceremonies was First Class Boy Scout Robert Ota, Williams’ brother. His parents are both assistant Scout masters of Troop 642.

William, 15, is a ninth-grader at Royal High School. He joined Cub Scout Pack 3642 in 2002. He earned the Arrow of Light award, 20 Webelos activity badges and bridged into Troop 642 in 2006.

As a Boy Scout, William earned the religious emblem and 31 merit badges. He earned the Eagle rank and Bronze Palm this year. He serves as junior assistant Scoutmaster and troop guide.

William’s Eagle project was to renovate and expand the sprinkler system and plant grass around the playground equipment at Good Shepherd School and Trinity Lutheran Church, both in Simi.